Those of us with a passion for travel are probably feeling a bit antsy for adventure after so long safely cooped up in quarantine. Luckily, staying home doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy the many benefits of travel. 

Learning about a different culture or savoring some dishes you wouldn’t find in your neighbourhood can be a great way to ease some of those ants when you find yourself with the travel bug. With these ideas, you’ll be well on your way to recreating a holiday to Italy from home! 

How to Have an Italian Holiday at Home

There are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in an Italian holiday from home. You’ve probably had a plate of spaghetti before, but have you ever delighted in freshly made pasta with parmigiano reggiano shaved right from the block? And we’ve all heard of Leonardo Da Vinci, but have you ever attempted to recreate one of his iconic paintings? Maybe you’re hoping to catch up on the latest Italian news about Mount Etna, as if you had just woken in your Italian hotel. 

One of the best parts about travel is that there are seemingly endless opportunities for adventure. When recreating a holiday at home, it’s all about the fun of doing it yourself. Get out of the comfort of your normal daily routine and be entertained by the process of immersing yourself in all things Italian. 

ITALIAN FOOD AND DRINK

When you think of Italian cuisine, what comes to mind? If you’re thinking of  gelato, pasta and a steamy little cappuccino, then you’re already familiar with three of Italy’s iconic offerings. 

Italian breakfasts are light and typically feature a cappuccino. If you have a cappuccino maker at home, great! Whip up a cup to be sipped alongside a sweet pastry, and you’re good to go. If you can’t make a cappuccino at home, don't worry. Hot milk with coffee is another Italian go-to.

There are many staples in Italian cuisine. In a country known for its olive oil, it comes as no surprise that pasta is such a delicacy there.  To do it right, you’ll want to make it yourself. You can get as fancy as you’d like with your recipe, but the only ingredients you’ll really need to make the pasta are eggs, flour, olive oil and salt. Top your pasta with a classic Italian tomato sauce or a fresh basil pesto made with parmesan and, of course, plenty of good olive oil.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more savory, you can’t go wrong with risotto alla milanese. It’s easy to make, deliciously creamy and a common choice for Italians craving dinner. 

EXPLORING ITALY

Exploration of a new place is the cherry on top of travelling for many adventurers. You never know what kind of serendipitous situations you’ll encounter along the way. Italian cities and lakes boast the beauty of Italy, and there are plenty of ways to see the sights without leaving home. You can’t go wrong with a tour of Italy’s hill towns, but because of Italy’s proximity to the sea, I’d recommend starting your tour closer to the shore. 

This tour of the Amalfi Coast takes viewers from the beautiful blue port through the city itself, which is nestled in between magnificent seaside cliffs. Open a window and let the breeze take you there, and get an up close view of the charming buildings that make up Amalfi and feel like you’re part of the crowd, without being crowded. One thing that Amalfi is known for is their lemons, and by relation, their lemon gelato. Grab a cone and savor a scoop of gelato as you explore the city, in true Amalfi fashion. 

The great thing about touring Italy from home is that you have the ability to travel from southern Italy to northern Italy and back again as you please. 

Another place that’s worth viewing is the notorious Lake Como, located in northern Italy. This magical body of water is lined with coastal villages and historic villas. Many artists, poets and writers have coveted Lake Como for centuries, and if you spend any amount of time there you’ll understand why. This Italian treasure radiates romance and majesty. Lake Como is nestled at the basin of lush, rolling green mountains, making visitors feel comfortably secure in this sanctuary. 

While you’re in northern Italy, you might as well make a point to see the five charming towns known as Cinque Terre. This northern coastal region comprises five colourful fishing villages perched along the Italian riviera. Emilia Romagna is another northern region in Italy that offers visitors plenty of opportunities to see medieval architecture and coastal resorts. Perhaps you’re looking to brush up on your knowledge of Italian history through a visit to San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Tuscany. San Gimignano is known for the thirteenth century towers that still stand in the city centre. 

WHAT TO DO

Throughout your virtual travels of Italy, you may begin to feel a sense of the romantic ambiance that emanates from this country. Settle down to watch a movie set in Italy, like Under the Tuscan Sun or When in Rome, and see how the magic of the country moves the characters in these films. 

One of the greatest beauties about Italian culture is, surprisingly, nap time. Taking an hour in the middle of the day to rest and rejuvenate is a common Italian practice. So after you feel spent from half a day cooking and eating, go ahead and take some time to siesta before carrying on with your holiday. 

In alignment with Italian tradition, you’ll want to grab a glass of wine at any point throughout your at-home Italian holiday. Italians are social drinkers. They drink in the company of friends, over a good meal, and aim to compliment their food with either red or white wine. The intent is never to get drunk, but rather to enhance the flavours of the food they’re enjoying. 

Go ahead and grab a holiday drink and a plate of pasta, and feel that breeze as you settle down any of these stunning and historic Italian towns. 

For more ideas on how to enjoy your time while in self-isolation, visit the Teletext Holiday Blog. What are some ways that you’ve enjoyed a holiday at home? Comment and let us know!